Dominating the proceedings from just beyond the fifth kilometre, Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea won an unprecedented fifth title at the World Half Marathon Championships in Kavarna, Bulgaria, today.

Running in hot and humid conditions, Tadese clocked 1:00:19, 32 seconds ahead of Deressa Chimsa of Ethiopia, to regain the title he won in four consecutive championships from 2006 to 2009. John Nzau Mwangangi of Kenya took bronze.

In a thrilling finish, Meseret Hailu outsprinted her teammate Feyse Tadese over the final 50 metres to score an upset victory in the women’s race, clocking 1:08:55. The pair led Ethiopia to a surprise victory in the women’s race over defending champions Kenya, with Japan taking team bronze.